SATISFYING YEAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22569, 24 February 1948, Page 6

SATISFYING YEAR

B.M.S. ACHIEVEMENTS EXCELLENT CONCERTS The four concerts arranged last year by the Gisborne branch of the British Music Society are mentioned in the annual report which is to be presented iit the annual meeting at the musicroom on Wednesday. The concert had brought to Gisborne some excellent musicians in Miss Christina Young, contralto, Miss Tessa Birnie, pianist, Mr. Max Gilbert, principal viola player with the Boyd Neel orchestra, Miss Gladys Vincent, violinist, Mr. Ernest Jenner, pianist, Mr. Francis Bate, ’cellist, Mr. Stuart Harvey, baritone, and Miss Margaret Allen, pianist. Mr. G Dyer had acted as honorary accompanist for the vocalists and for Mr. Gilbert. Attendance at the four groups, vocal, instrumental, piano and recorded musichad been maintained during the year and additional functions in 1947 had included a farewell for Miss Molly Skillen , a concert by Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Harris and a complimentary evening for Miss Mary PrattThe formation of an orchestra under the baton of Mr. L. Strachan with Miss M. Allen as accompanist and a "Brains Trust" were two innovations. To all members whose work and cooperation had’ contributed to the year's success, the society offered thanks, especially to Mr. and Mrs. F, Wise, whose unparalleled generosity had been gratefully received. The society’s finances were in a Rood position as, despite a loss of 1142 14s 4d on the year’s workings cash resources stood at £lO5 11s 5d The 1948 season promised to be interesting, opening with a recital by Mr. and Mi's. Gerhardt Willner, tentative arrangements having been made with a view to securing the best talent available for further concerts